Senator Nelson Files Appraisal Reform

AUSTIN – Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, today filed SB 21 reforming the property tax appraisal process.

“Homeowners in Texas are shouldering a significant share of the tax  burden.  We need to reduce this burden and ensure that taxpayers are  treated fairly in the appraisal process.  This legislation will  strengthen the rights of taxpayers and make the appraisal process fair,  accountable and more transparent,” Senator Nelson said.

Key provisions of SB 21 amend the Tax Code to:

• Increase education requirements for Appraisal Review Board (ARB)  members and arbitrators and require the Comptroller to establish and  supervise a training program for arbitrators;
• Expand ways for taxpayers to provide feedback of their experience with the ARB;
• Establish term limits for ARB members in larger counties; and
• Prohibit ARBs from raising a property's appraised value above the  amount in the notification and require that protest hearing orders be  issued within 15 days.

SENATOR JANE NELSON represents District 12,  including portions of Tarrant and Denton Counties. She is Chairman of  the Senate Finance Committee and the highest-ranking Republican in the  Texas Senate.

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